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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Austin

Live music and beer

Made for those who believe a cold beer is the only proper accompaniment to a live set.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Friends Bar image 1
Friends Bar image 2
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Live music bar

Live music fills a spacious bar with a stage and a courtyard featuring picnic tables. The atmosphere stays friendly and positive, drawing a crowd that enjoys dancing and people watching. Cold beer and cocktails complement the blues club vibe and no cover charge policy.

Live music features consistent performances by artists like Brad Steiger and Lew Apollo. The venue offers a dive bar vibe with a good pour on drinks, making it a solid spot to enjoy music on 6th street.

Cold beer flows with a great selection and tasty options. Bar staff mix up Austin-inspired beverages while music plays.

People are saying

"I loved the live music and the bands here."

"This dive bar has amazing live music all day and night."

"I enjoyed the cold beer and great music."

Good to know

1

Live music runs from 12 pm to 2 am every day.

2

Friends Bar is dog friendly inside.

3

Food is available from a food truck at the back of the bar.

02
Shiner's Saloon image 1

Large space with a rooftop bar and live music creates a relaxed, lowkey vibe. Comfortable indoor seating contrasts with an outdoor patio featuring games and skyline views. Crowd enjoys strong beer selection and casual atmosphere ideal for unwinding.

Free live music plays regularly, creating a lively atmosphere. The rooftop bar offers a great spot to enjoy the sounds while a friendly bartender ensures good service.

Strong beer selection includes Pinthouse Hazy IPA on tap. Beers come cold and bartenders help find drinks you like.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic."

"The vibe here is so cool, a real retro dive bar feel."

"I enjoyed ice cold beer here."

Good to know

1

Expect busier crowds on weekends, especially during evening hours.

2

The kitchen stays open late, serving food until close to 1am.

3

Drink prices are generally fair, averaging around $11.50.

03
San Jac Saloon image 1

Long, narrow saloon with traditional western decor and a second floor balcony creates a spacious setting. Live country music fills the air, encouraging plenty of dancing and a chill, old school vibe throughout the venue.

Live music features great country tunes with performances both upstairs and on the main floor. The venue offers a fun atmosphere with lots of dancing and avoids DJs, focusing on authentic live bands.

Great selection of beers includes local beers on tap and options at a good price. The bar also features a notable spirit selection with Still Austin bourbon.

People are saying

"The live music here is great and the ambiance is wonderful."

"The beer selection here is great and well priced."

"The nightlife here has a great, chill saloon vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features specialty cocktails and a vegan-friendly menu.

2

Free open mic comedy happens every Sunday at 7pm.

3

The Carr Sisters perform typically between 4 and 8 pm.

04
Elephant Room image 1
Live music bar

Small basement bar with stone walls and a cellar setting creates a classic, intimate vibe. Smooth, live jazz music fills the space with chill energy, attracting those who prefer sitting and enjoying quality performances. Unique house brine for dirty martinis stands out among the drink offerings.

Live jazz plays late into the night in a basement setting with low-level lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere. The music is the main focus, accompanied by attentive bartenders and a chill vibe.

Excellent selection of locally brewed beers from Austin stands out. The place offers a great variety on tap and pairs well with decent live music in a cosy setting.

People are saying

"The jazz musicianship here is amazing."

"It's a cool spot for live jazz music in a basement gem."

"I found the beer here had a magical, jazzy vibe."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 cover fee at Elephant Room.

2

A $7 cover charge applies after 8pm.

3

No food is served; drinks only, but you can bring food in.

05
The Rustic Tap image 1

Outdoor space features large shaded seating areas with misters and fireplaces, creating a cozy, lively vibe. Live bands play frequently, adding to the energetic atmosphere. Multiple screens show sports, attracting a crowd that enjoys an open-air party setting.

Live music features Texas and national touring bands with no cover charge. The spot offers a laid-back vibe and frequent live band performances that draw a fun crowd.

Local beers like Friends and Allies Sportsball Pils appear on tap alongside a broad variety of beers. Occasional promotions include free samples such as Voodoo Ranger beer during events.

People are saying

"The live music here is a frequent, cool bonus."

"You can watch all the games on multiple TVs here."

"I loved the local beer selection here."

Good to know

1

The Rustic Tap has an automatic 20% gratuity added to the bill.

2

The bar closes at 2 AM, but tabs are closed by midnight.

3

The restaurant offers gluten-friendly options.

06
Blind Pig Pub image 1

Two-story pub with a rooftop terrace and live music creates a lively, fun atmosphere. Sports fans gather around numerous screens at the long bar, while the open-air rooftop offers great views and space for dancing. Energy shifts between the cozy downstairs and vibrant upstairs areas.

Live bands perform on a balcony stage and a rooftop stage with open air. The music energizes the crowd and gets people dancing, creating a lively atmosphere.

The spot offers a decent beer selection with several options on draft, including a local IPA. Bartenders help pick beers, and prices run around $9 for a 12oz pour.

People are saying

"The live music here is great and gets everyone dancing."

"The rooftop has an incredible live band playing."

"I enjoyed the beer while listening to the live band."

Good to know

1

Live music events occur on Sundays, featuring local bands.

2

The pub has a dress code requiring patrons to wear a shirt.

3

Only beer and mixed drinks are available; no wine served.

07
Ellis image 1

Glass-enclosed bar offers both indoor and outdoor seating under a huge oak tree with lanterns and string lights. Atmosphere stays chilled and relaxing with live guitar music and elevator tunes setting a calm vibe. Outdoor patio serves as a people-watching spot with bar service inside and out.

Live guitar player and excellent live band perform regularly, creating a chill vibe. Music often fills the bar, especially on weekends, making it a solid spot to relax with a beer.

Selection includes local IPAs and cocktails. Beer options are adequate but not extensive. Live music plays on weekends, creating a chill vibe.

People are saying

"The staff during Happy Hour was wonderful and fun to talk to."

"The bar's happy hour is a great start for a night out."

"I grabbed a beer and enjoyed the lovely live music."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 12 to 3pm with $7 mimosas and bloody Marys.

2

Happy hour offers $3 wine, making it a great deal.

3

The outdoor seating area is popular but can get crowded.

08
Speakeasy image 1
Lounge

Lounge combines live music with a historical atmosphere and spacious bar area featuring a performance stage. The vibe is cool and sophisticated, attracting an older crowd who enjoy drinking, dancing, and watching bands. Rooftop bar offers city views but can feel tight during events.

Multiple floors host live bands and a DJ on the rooftop, creating a layered music experience. The space suits rock enthusiasts and special events with great shows and a lively atmosphere.

Speakeasy offers a large choice of beers including NA beer. Bartenders sometimes dance while serving, adding a lively touch to the beer selection.

People are saying

"I found the shows and special events here to be really fun."

"The atmosphere here is pretty cool and sophisticated."

"They had a large choice of beer, including NA options."

Good to know

1

The Spazmatics perform every Wednesday night with no cover charge.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during 90's night events on Fridays.

3

No food is available on-site, so plan to eat before visiting.

09
El Cockfight image 1

Multi-level bar with a rooftop patio offers live music and skyline views. Atmosphere stays relaxed and chill, with a mix of DJs downstairs and live bands upstairs. Tacos from a pop-up stand add a unique touch to the drink-focused setup.

Live music plays on weekends, filling the rooftop with rhythmic beats and creating a great vibe alongside a DJ downstairs. The music adds an extra layer of excitement to the space.

Ice-cold beer is served alongside good cocktails. Ordering can take a while since the bartender sometimes gets distracted.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so friendly and make you feel cared for."

"The rooftop has a really pretty, scenic ambiance."

"I enjoyed the ice-cold beer here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with drinks under $10.

2

Live music is featured on weekends, enhancing the atmosphere.

3

The rooftop patio is a popular spot during happy hour.

10
Darwin's Piano Bar image 1

Piano bar offers live music with engaging musicians who encourage crowd participation. Atmosphere stays lively and fun, with people singing and dancing together. No cover charge and a community vibe set it apart from other venues.

Talented live band plays any requested song, creating killer vibes. The music is consistently great and draws a lively crowd.

Good beer options come with a price range of $8-10 plus tax and tip. Some beers can cost as much as $20, making the selection somewhat expensive.

People are saying

"It's a super fun and high-energy spot with awesome vibes."

"The beer here is great, with live music and a lively crowd."

"The live music here is fantastic and the musicians take requests."

Good to know

1

There is no cover charge at Darwin's Piano Bar.

2

Requesting songs requires a tip.

3

They offer free bottled water to patrons.

11
The Dizzy Rooster image 1

Small bar with cozy atmosphere and unpretentious vibe hosts live music and a DJ playing throwback pop and electronica. Crowd stays local and laid-back, enjoying games like beer pong and darts. Energy feels fun and friendly without being overly rowdy.

Live music happens regularly with performances that feel immersive. Marcos's sets create a transportive atmosphere that stands out.

Beer comes served very cold here. Options include a Black and Tan mix with Guinness and ale on tap.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so friendly and quick, even when it's busy."

"It's a fun vibe with a festive atmosphere."

"I loved how cold the beer was."

Good to know

1

Expect a cover charge after 8 PM for live performances.

2

Drink prices range from $7 to $9, with tips expected.

3

The bar is usually not busy at 11 PM, making it a good time to visit.

12
Pete's Dueling Piano Bar image 1

Piano bar with live dueling pianists creates a lively, engaging atmosphere where everyone sings and dances. Musicians are multi-talented and interactive, taking song requests and delivering legendary performances. Venue shows some wear but maintains a fun, energetic vibe throughout the night.

Live music features dueling pianos playing rock and ballads with strong crowd participation. The vibe encourages a no phones, just vibes experience alongside drinks.

Good beers come at about $8 each with a limited menu. Bottled beers are common and sticking to familiar drinks works well.

People are saying

"The live music and crowd sing-alongs make for a super fun night."

"The piano bar performers were seriously talented and kept the energy high."

"The live music here is so entertaining, the musicians are seriously talented."

Good to know

1

There is a $15 cover charge per person.

2

Reservations are recommended for Saturday nights due to limited space.

3

Song requests cost between $1 to $100, played in order of the largest bill.

13
Hotel Van Zandt image 1

Hotel offers beautiful decor and a quiet, comfortable atmosphere inside rooms despite loud nightlife nearby. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center with Peloton bikes, and daily margaritas. Lobby bar and live music create a lively yet controlled vibe.

Geraldineโ€™s restaurant features live music that creates a lively vibe while you enjoy delicious food and attentive service.

Complimentary local beers greet guests at check-in and during a daily happy hour. A Twisted X Austin Lager and a grapefruit sparkling water often start the visit, with a free beer offered between 4 pm and 5 pm.

People are saying

"The hotel staff is so friendly and helpful."

"The live music here makes you feel like a VIP."

"I got a complimentary local beer when I arrived."

Good to know

1

Happy hour in the lobby runs from 5 to 6 PM with complimentary drinks.

2

Geraldine's offers a jazz brunch on weekends, a popular dining option.

3

Expect a $30 daily guest amenity fee that may not be disclosed upfront.

14
Moody Amphitheater image 1
Amphitheater

Outdoor amphitheater offers open-air setting with great acoustics and excellent sightlines from most seats. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxed, enhanced by surrounding greenery. Crowds gather for live music, creating a natural and enjoyable experience under the stars.

Outdoor setting offers live music under the stars with a beautiful venue. The amphitheater hosts music and comedy performances that create a great atmosphere for enjoying shows.

Lines at beer concessions move quickly. Pricing stays reasonable with beers around $14. The beer quality is consistently good.

People are saying

"You get a great view from anywhere in this venue."

"It's an awesome place to watch live music."

"You can expect to pay around $14 for a beer here."

Good to know

1

Bring a clear bag or small clutch to enter the venue.

2

Parking can be difficult; consider prepaying for a spot.

3

Ride shares should drop off on 12th street, not Trinity.

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